1. In 1776, the British captured Fort Washington during the American Revolutionary War. The fort was a key position for the American army, but its surrender led to the fall of Manhattan.

2. On November 16, 1821, New York City officially became the nation's largest port after the Erie Canal was opened. The Canal connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, greatly expanding the transportation and trade industries in New York City.

3. In 1902, the first successful subway in the United States began operating in New York City. The nine-mile-long Interborough Rapid Transit subway line had 28 stations and ran from City Hall in Manhattan to 145th Street in the Bronx.

4. On November 16, 1951, Herman W. Steinkraus became the first president of the New York State Bar Association from outside of New York City. Steinkraus was also the first lawyer from outside of New York City to hold the position.

5. The Beatles performed their second concert at Shea Stadium in Queens on November 16, 1965. The concert was part of their second North American tour and attracted over 55,000 fans, setting a record for the largest concert audience ever. The concert was also filmed for a documentary called "The Beatles at Shea Stadium".